If you think you may have a sleep disorder, your primary doctor or a doctor who specializes in sleep disorders may send you to a sleep center for diagnosis. When a person goes to a sleep center, it is usually for an overnight stay. Costs for sleep studies vary depending on deductibles and insurance coverage and may need to be done twice. The first visit is to diagnose the sleep disorder, and the second visit is to get accurate settings for any positive airway pressure machines that may be needed. Health insurance generally pays all or most of the cost of the tests needed to diagnose a sleep disorder.
Once your doctor has determined that you need a sleep study, what can you expect?
After your physician refers you to a sleep disorder clinic, a customer service representative will contact you to schedule an appointment and notify you of your health insurance coverage. Generally, patients pack an overnight bag just as though they were going to spend the night at a hotel.
During the sleep study, you wear your own nightclothes, and you can use your favorite pillow from home. You can bring a book or magazine if you like to read before falling asleep. Most sleep centers resemble a hotel room and have televisions and DVD players in case the patient usually watches TV or movies before going to sleep at home.
Once you are relaxed, the sleep center technician starts preparation for the equipment needed to record your patterns of sleep. A sleep study, or polysomnogram, is similar to an electroencephalogram or electrocardiogram study, but makes 16 different measurements in your brain or body for the entire time you are asleep. This test is not invasive, and it is not painful; the electrodes rest on the skin attached by a special adhesive and tape. These tests begin at night and last through the morning, as would a normal night of sleep.
Once all of the equipment is in place, the sleep technician leaves you alone to fall asleep. Even with the equipment, it is not uncomfortable. It is easy to move or turn onto your side. Each bedroom in a sleep center also has an automatic intercom, so it is easy to call the technician if necessary for such things as a bathroom break. When the sleep study is completed, the technician may wake you. Some sleep disorder clinics provide a continental breakfast and transportation.
Your test is completed. Now what?
The study/test performed is scored and given to a sleep physician to interpret. At that moment, the physician makes the proper changes and/or recommendations, such as returning for a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) study. The test scores are then given to your primary doctor within seven to 10 business days of the completed study, and you may be contacted to return to the sleep disorder clinic for the CPAP titration study. This study is extremely important, for it is the one used to treat your existing sleep disorder.
For more information, contact Donna J. Miranda, RPSGT, of the Texas Christian Care Center, LLC, at 361-723-2130.
